U.S. Government Shutdown Nears Resolution as Airlines Cancel 1,200 Flights; FAA, Carriers Plan Gradual Recovery
Improved air traffic control staffing boosts airline operations amid ongoing talks between the FAA and carriers on lifting flight curbs.
Washington, Nov 12: Airlines across the United States cancelled nearly 1,200 flights on Tuesday, marking a tentative recovery in the aviation sector as air traffic control staffing levels improved ahead of an expected end to the record 42 day government shutdown, likely by Wednesday.
According to Reuters, the situation showed a notable improvement from Monday’s chaos, when more than 2,400 flights were cancelled and 9,600 delayed nationwide. By Tuesday, delays dropped to about 1,700, the best performance the industry has recorded in weeks.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directed airlines to trim daily flight schedules by 4% at 40 major airports starting November 7, due to severe staff shortages. The reductions rose to 6% on Tuesday and were projected to reach 10% by Friday, November 14.
However, following improved staffing levels, the FAA and airlines are now discussing a gradual rollback of these restrictions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the number of reported staffing issues had plunged from 81 on Saturday to just four on Tuesday, signalling a significant turnaround.
“At this stage, we will adjust flight limits gradually as safety allows,” Duffy said during a press briefing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. “If conditions remain stable, we’ll reduce cuts from six percent to four, then two, and restore normal air travel operations.”
United Airlines has already scaled back its planned flight cuts for Thursday to 5%, below the FAA’s advised 8%. Other carriers are expected to follow suit if staffing continues to improve.
Meanwhile, the Senate on Monday passed a temporary funding bill to reopen the government through January 30, with the House scheduled to vote on Wednesday. Duffy cautioned that a failure to pass the bill could trigger renewed flight disruptions.
“This situation is critical if the measure doesn’t pass, some major airlines could be forced to halt operations by the weekend,” he warned.
Industry insiders note that despite the operational improvements, the long-term impact of the shutdown will take time to fully reverse, particularly in scheduling, maintenance, and pilot certification backlogs.
